The Secret To Performing at Work May Start After You Clock Out

Staying Sharp: Healthy lifestyle habits do a body good, but they’re also good for your career, according to a study examining the relationship between workplace engagement and healthy habits in Japanese employees. 

The Study: Researchers gathered information for 5,011 workers from a health database and a self-administered questionnaire. They measured the workers using the seven lifestyle habits developed by Lester Breslow, an American physician and advocate for chronic-disease prevention. The habits include moderate to no drinking, sleeping seven to eight hours a night, and exercising, among others. 

The Takeaway: Researchers found a correlation between lifestyle habits and work engagement. The more good habits the employees practiced, the higher their engagement at work after one year. Regular exercise was the main lifestyle habit influencing engagement. The findings complemented a similar Japanese study connecting these healthy habits to higher rates of “presenteeism” at work.

Keep In Mind: Much of the data came from self-reported questionnaires, which may not be totally accurate. Still, it makes sense that if you’re feeling good (or bad), that will likely seep into the work life, too.